President Martin’s Comments:

Firstly, a look back over November..

We started the month in fine fettle on 4^th November with a “Team Building” Skittles Evening at the Wheatsheaf Inn in Thurcaston which was much enjoyed by our combined membership. Competition was strong but the rivalry friendly and the ‘pub grub’ hit the spot too.

The teams were fairly evenly matched!

 This year Remembrance Day fell on a Tuesday. There had been increased rain for the days before, so in consideration for the pupils especially it was decided on this occasion to hold the event in the school hall. There was a group of Rotarians who benefitted from the contributions of the pupils, commemorating the occasion, which we have been sharing since the Club arranged for the donation of the stone, with the support of Lafarge, before the current pupils were born. After the assembly, Rotarians were invited to go on a guided tour of the school, given by very competent, confident pupils. Following that, we were treated to tea and cakes. The link with the school is important and valued by both partners. Thanks to Rosemary for ensuring this event continues to happen; because we were not on the field, Garner later laid the wreath.

On the same evening, 11^th November, the speaker was Baroness Morgan of Cotes, who had last visited Beacon when she was MP, now a member of the House of Lords. The main theme of her presentation was to ask the question "Do we need the House of Lords?". She described the role of the Lords, who takes part, what their roles are and what the possible future might be. She then answered questions in a measured, diplomatic fashion and her contribution to the evening was well received.

On November 18^th Neil devised a showcase of home-grown talent. with six willing (?) volunteers describing "What I like most about … is…" The themes ranged from a fan's eye view of the Tigers, a family holiday home filled with happy memories and culminated in Leader Neil's ultimate praise of bananas. Wide-ranging presentations indeed! Well done to Neil for organising the evening.

For our final presentation of the month, on November 24^th, Andrew Baker, who has been a great supporter of the Golf Day over the years, spoke on Managing your Money in an Uncertain World. Though possibly not all of us were considering investing the £3m portfolio which is Andrew’s normal business, we were nevertheless fascinated by his insights. On the eve of the Budget this was a pertinent topic!

On November 25^th, members of RCLB and LIG joined Inner Wheel on the Orange the World Awareness Walk, in Loughborough, supporting efforts to eliminate gender-based violence around the world.  

The month came to a rousing conclusion on Saturday November 29^th, with Raising the Roof, the annual Charity Concert at the Hodson Hall, Loughborough Grammar School. The concert featured Charnwood Community Singers and Loughborough Concert Band. Thanks to Neil for organising this, to Garner for surpassing all records in ticket sales (as well as singing!) and to all who contributed so generously of their time to make this event such a success!

Turning now to what’s to come..

We turn our focus to business matters as we approach the end of the year, and the first meeting of the month, on December 2^nd, will be the Teams’ Review, where team leaders will bring us up to speed on progress being made towards this year’s goals.

This will be followed at the next meeting on December 9^th with the Club’s Special General Meeting (SGM), where it’s especially important that you make every effort to attend. Firstly, we need to be quorate, i.e. 25% of ALL members need to attend in person. We are also looking for future presidents 27/28 and 28/29 as well as trustees. Again, please keep the date to hand and do not feel shy about volunteering for these roles. The agenda will be circulated shortly. One agenda item will be how and to whom some funds should be allocated: due to prudent budgeting and overachieving at fund raising, we have some funds that the club will need to decide how to allocate (NOT previously covered at assembly).

Lawrence reminds us that on December 9^th at 6.30pm, the next Zoom talk is scheduled under the auspices of ESRAG (Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group). The topic is the successful re-introduction of Beavers to the Nene Valley. The speaker, Ben Casey, is the Nene Valley Projects Officer of the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.

December 13^th, 20^th and 21^st, Don’t forget the Tin Rattles! (see programme at the end for the details)

Our final meeting of the year on Wednesday December 17^th will be the Rotary Christmas Dinner; don’t forget to fill in the special booking page on the Wiki if you haven’t already done so.

Looking ahead to next year, we launch the year on Tuesday January 6^th with our traditional New Year Walk, “Historic Quorn” – see the Wiki for further details and booking.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

HOT OFF THE PRESS.. thanks to Ian & Neil for these great pics of Raising the Roof 2025..

LOOKING BACK.. more memories..

This time, Garner is bringing back memories of the Bunny Runs.

OUR COMBINED PROGRAMME FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY —at a glance: